Awards and Recognitions
ISP International Impact - Student Leadership Award
Established in 2021, the ISP International Impact Award recognizes Caltech students whose leadership, generosity, and commitment have strengthened our international community. Recipients have made meaningful and lasting contributions to international and cross-cultural exchange, helping create a more welcoming and connected campus.
The award is made possible through the generosity of Dr. Hugh Kendrick (MS '62), whose own journey from England to Caltech inspired his support for the international student community.
2026 Recipient: Ina M. Sorensen
Originally from Norway, Ina M. Sorensen has been a generous and enthusiastic contributor to Caltech's international community. A dedicated ISP Orientation Leader and regular participant in ISP programs, she helped welcome new students and scholars, shared her Norwegian heritage, and organized a conversation with Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum about immigration uncertainty. She also served on the Graduate Student Council and volunteered during prospective-student visits. ISP celebrates Ina's leadership, kindness, and commitment to building community. Congratulations to Ina M. Sorensen, PhD in Physics, Caltech Class of 2026!
2025 Recipient: Sahangi Dassanayake
Sahangi Dassanayake is a triple threat - an actor, singer, and aerospace engineer! Passionate about space exploration, she has also been a generous and enthusiastic leader in the Caltech community. Through the Graduate Student Council, ISP Orientation, and leadership roles in WiGALCIT and WiEAS, she has mentored students and championed inclusion. Equally at home on stage, Sahangi performed with TACIT, EXPLiCIT, the Caltech Glee Club, and Chamber Singers, encouraging others to embrace creativity, connection, and balance. Congratulations and thanks to Sahangi Dassanayake, PhD in Space Engineering, Caltech Class of 2025!
2024 Recipient: Tanmay Gupta
Tanmay Gupta is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge, experiences, and joy. Originally from Malaysia and India, he embraced his role as a global citizen through his studies at Caltech and Cambridge University in England. A returning ISP Orientation Leader and active participant in ISP programs, Tanmay also shared his experiences during International Education Week. His campus involvement extended to performing with TACIT, co-captaining the Dhamaka Bollywood Dance Team, and serving as an Equity & Title IX Advocate. Congratulations to Tanmay Gupta, BS in Physics with minors in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science, Caltech Class of 2024!
2023 Recipient: Ahmed Soliman
Ahmed Soliman has been a bright light at Caltech since his first day on campus, greeting everyone with a broad smile and infectious laugh. Despite initial challenges of living and learning in a second language, he pursued his scientific goals with enthusiasm and determination. Through leadership roles in student orientations and presentations for International Education Week, World Fest, and Culture of Language, Ahmed generously shared his research and Egyptian heritage. He also inspired high school students in Egypt to pursue educational opportunities abroad. ISP thanks Ahmed for his leadership, generosity, and friendship. Congratulations to Ahmed Soliman, PhD in Engineering & Applied Science, Caltech Class of 2023!
2022 Recipient: Eduardo da Veiga Beltrame
Eduardo da Veiga Beltrame is a campus leader, a disrupter for good, a champion for others, and a trusted friend who is rarely seen without his ISP “Hello” t-shirt! Witty, outspoken, and passionate, Eduardo inspires others to get informed and involved in causes that matter. He served multiple times as an ISP Orientation Leader, contributed to the Graduate Student Council, and dedicated his time and resources to supporting education and social initiatives in his home country of Brazil. It has been an honor and a privilege to know and learn from Eduardo da Veiga Beltrame, PhD in Bioengineering, Caltech Class of 2022!
2021 Recipient: Peyman Ayoubi
Peyman Ayoubi has been a dedicated advocate for international students and a generous supporter of the Caltech community since his arrival in 2015. A longtime ISP Orientation Leader and Globe Throopers softball teammate, he also shared his Iranian heritage at World Fest and his passion for engineering with local youth through 4-H. Always willing to lend a hand, Peyman was someone ISP could count on to support programs, welcome newcomers, and bring people together. ISP thanks Peyman for his partnership, generosity, humor, and friendship. Congratulations to Peyman Ayoubi, PhD in Civil Engineering, Caltech Class of 2021!
Team Impact Award Winner - International Student Programs
International Student Programs (ISP) received the Team Impact Award 2024. This award recognizes teams that make significant contributions to the work and mission of the Institute. Teams who receive the award have demonstrated that their work impacted and supported the research and/or education programs at the Institute. Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum presented the Team Impact Award to Laura Flower Kim and Daniel Yoder during the 69th Annual Staff Service & Impact Awards.
